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European Review of Aging and Physical Activity
Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Review article

The application of strength and power related field tests in older adults: criteria, current status and a future perspective

Authors: G. Ruben H. Regterschot, Tobias Morat, Marjanne Folkersma, Wiebren Zijlstra

Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Leg muscle strength (LMS) and leg muscle power (LMP) are determinants of aspects of functional status and important parameters for measuring intervention effects in older adults. Field tests are often used for the evaluation of LMS and LMP in older persons. However, criteria important for the application of strength and power related field tests in older adults have not been systematically taken into account and are not yet fully listed and described in a single publication. Therefore, this paper describes criteria important for the application of strength and power related field tests in older adults. In addition, strength and power related field tests commonly used in older adults are evaluated by using the described criteria. Based on this evaluation, this paper provides a perspective on the further development of field tests. Criteria important for strength and power related field tests are: adequate accuracy, precision, concurrent validity, clinical validity, practical feasibility and pure strength or power outcomes. Commonly used strength and power related field tests do not meet all the aforementioned criteria. Therefore, further development of field tests is necessary. Mobile sensing systems are potentially useful for the evaluation of LMS and LMP in older adults. Mobile sensing systems do not have the limitations of commonly used field tests and provide important additional advantages. In particular, mobile sensing systems offer the opportunity of continuous monitoring during free-movement in the home-environment, thereby reducing the need of standardized assessments by health-care professionals. Future studies should examine the clinical validity of mobile sensing systems and evaluate the application of sensor technology in exercise-based interventions.
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Metadata
Title
The application of strength and power related field tests in older adults: criteria, current status and a future perspective
Authors
G. Ruben H. Regterschot
Tobias Morat
Marjanne Folkersma
Wiebren Zijlstra
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
European Review of Aging and Physical Activity / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1813-7253
Electronic ISSN: 1861-6909
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-015-0147-6

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